Bharat Mandir,

Location: Located in the heart of Rishikesh, Bharat Mandir is one of the sacred shrines visited regularly by Hindu devotees from all around India. It is at an estimated distance of half kilometer from Triveni Ghat, the bank of River Ganges.

Description: According to legends, Bharat Mandir was founded by Adiguru Shankracharya during 12th century. The presiding deity of Bharat Mandir is Lord Vishnu. The idol of Lord Vishnu installed in the shrine is carved out from a single piece of Saligram. At the inner canopy of the temple, a holy Shree Yantra is placed that is specific of a Hindu shrine. You may also venerate Lord Hrishikesh Bharatji, as his idol is also installed in the temple. It is believed that King Tamur destroyed this temple and the present shrine was again constructed at the same location by Hindu devotees. Some excavations were carried out here and may old statues, ancient pots and coins were found.

Activities: Every year, on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, the idol of Lord Hrishikesh is taken out in a huge procession for a dip in the holy water of River Ganges. Devotees from far flung areas participate in the procession and celebrate it with great grandeur and fervor.